News Briefs
Sierra Region Delegation Calls for Restoration of Federal Forest Service Funding
ROCKLIN
On April 18, elected officials and agency leaders from across the Sierra region, including representatives from the Town of Truckee, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Town of Mammoth Lakes, and multiple special districts, met with Rep. Kevin Kiley in Rocklin to advocate for the reinstatement of federal funding for forest health and wildfire mitigation efforts.
The delegation raised urgent concerns about recent freezes on federal spending and staffing reductions affecting U.S. Forest Service operations. These cuts are significantly hindering fuels reduction programs, campground staffing, and wildfire preparedness, placing communities and public lands at an elevated and unwarranted risk.
In a demonstration of regional unity, the delegation presented Kiley with two jointly endorsed resolution packages.
Members expressed their continued commitment to working alongside Kiley to restore and protect critical funding streams and reaffirmed their support for strong federal partnerships that safeguard the health, safety, and sustainability of rural Sierra communities.
Kiley acknowledged the concerns raised and emphasized his ongoing efforts to protect funding. In a recent Representative Report newsletter, he stated, “I have worked with these and other communities throughout our district to secure funding for much-needed fire prevention efforts, and I am grateful for the pro-active efforts of our city leaders. I have conveyed to the Administration that this funding must be protected, and that as we work to modernize government and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, we must maintain support for vital services like fire protection.”
~ Town of Truckee press release
Eastern Placer Future Launches Community Survey
PLACER COUNTY
Organizers of the effort to explore the potential for establishing a locally based government for the North Tahoe area of Eastern Placer County announced the launch of a community survey.
Eastern Placer Future is a nonprofit public benefit corporation formed by a group of community volunteers to analyze the feasibility of creating a municipal government for the study area. This area comprises all the communities within eastern Placer County from the West and North shores of Lake Tahoe, as well as those along the State Route 89 corridor, including Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley, and the State Route 267 corridor, including Northstar and the neighborhoods of Martis Valley and Sierra Meadows, up to the boundary of the Town of Truckee.
The survey seeks input on local issues like quality of life, land use, roads, development, transit, and community services. An invitation to participate will come via a phone call or text message to residents within the boundary of the potential new town. Responses will be completely confidential.
Eastern Placer Future points out that the population of the North Tahoe area continues to decline as a percentage of the total population of supervisorial district 5. As significant growth continues in the western part of the county, future census counts are expected to push the boundary of district 5 further west. This will increase the focus of Placer County resources and decision-making on the western part of the county and diminish the influence of voters in Eastern Placer County.
For more information, visit easternplacerfuture.org.
~ Eastern Placer Future press release
Take Action With Wildfire Readiness Checklist
TRUCKEE
Truckee Fire is calling on all residents to take immediate action to prepare for wildfire season by following the District’s Wildfire Readiness Checklist. Building on the success of the Measure T-funded programs, Truckee Fire continues to offer vital resources that make wildfire preparedness accessible for everyone.
Your Wildfire Readiness Checklist:
- Clear 5 feet around all structures: Remove pine needles, leaves, and debris, including under decks and stairs. Store woodpiles, gas cans, and other combustibles at least 30 feet from the house. Pro tip: Rent a 6-yard dumpster with 75% reimbursement through Truckee Fire’s Green Waste Program.
- Remove dead vegetation and manage live vegetation: Clear grasses, weeds, shrubs, and dead trees. Prune tree limbs at least 6 feet above the ground and increase spacing between trees and shrubs. Pro tip: Use Truckee Fire’s free green waste pick-up for shrubs, trees, and branches up to 8 inches in diameter.
- Ensure address is visible: House numbers should be at least 4 inches tall and readable from the road. Pro tip: Check out Truckee Fire’s new Reflective Address Sign Program.
- Schedule a free defensible space inspection: Get a customized report with an easy-to-follow to-do list for defensible space and home hardening. Pro tip: It’s free, fast and gives you a custom checklist to protect your home. Schedule today at truckeefire.org/dspace.
- Connect with neighbors: Work together for a Wildfire Resilient Truckee. Sign up for emergency alerts at tahoealerts.com.
For more information on Truckee Fire and Measure T initiatives, visit truckeefire.org.
~ Truckee Fire Protection District press release
Tahoe Local Releases Memoir on Mother’s Demetia
TAHOE CITY
In her poignant memoir, Someone to Watch Me Sleep, Kathy Chan delves into the often-overlooked world of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), the second most common form of dementia that remains shrouded in misunderstanding and misdiagnosis. Through a deeply personal narrative, Chan recounts her mother’s final days, revealing over 20 critical signs that went unnoticed, aiming to empower others to recognize these symptoms in their loved ones.
“I just kept turning the pages…” said Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul and The Success Principles.
Chan’s memoir not only educates readers about the physical manifestations of LBD — such as a shuffling walk, incontinence, trouble swallowing, and frequent UTIs — but also explores the emotional complexities of a mother-daughter relationship strained by illness.
Someone to Watch Me Sleep transcends the typical medical narrative, delving into themes of relationships, regret, and redemption. Chan’s story is a testament to the power of presence, forgiveness, and making peace before it’s too late.
Chan is an advocate for dementia awareness, drawing from personal experience to educate and support others facing similar challenges. Her work aims to shed light on the nuances of LBD and the importance of early detection and understanding. Her book releases on May 8.
~ Cooper Creative press release
Truckee Community Invited to Listening Session on Homelessness May 7
TRUCKEE
In response to community concerns about transparency and decision-making around Truckee homelessness services, Supervisor Hardy Bullock invited eastern Nevada County residents to participate in a second of two listening sessions on May 7. The first session was held April 30.
The meetings are intended to gather feedback from East County residents in preparation for the Nevada County Board of Supervisors’ consideration on May 13 of the draft Tahoe Truckee Regional Homeless Action Plan. The plan was recently adopted by the Truckee Town Council and will also be considered by Placer County.
The listening sessions are not intended to revisit Hope Ridge House, a proposed permanent supportive housing project in Truckee. The board of supervisors canceled plans for the site in February and has no plans to acquire another one.
The May 7 listening session will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Trout Creek Conference Room, Town of Truckee Administration Building, 10183 Truckee Airport Rd.
~ Town of Truckee press release
$159K Awarded to Truckee Trails Foundation to Kickstart Thelin Trail Construction
TRUCKEE
The Town of Truckee is excited to announce the award of $159,431.75 in Measure U funding to the Truckee Trails Foundation (TTF) for construction of the Thelin Trail, the first project funded under the 2025 Truckee Dirt Trail Grant Program.
The Thelin Trail is a shovel-ready project that will create a 3,535-foot natural surface trail, connecting the Ponderosa Palisades neighborhood to Segment 4A of the Truckee River Legacy Trail. Designed for all non-motorized users, including e-bikes, the trail will offer a safe and convenient route for residents to walk or ride into downtown Truckee. It will also provide a more direct link from downtown to the Sawtooth Trailhead.
The total cost of the Thelin Trail project is estimated at $176,327. TTF will contribute $26,241 in matching funds and maintain the trail for 5 years after construction. With construction anticipated this summer, the trail will soon offer residents and visitors improved access to downtown and surrounding areas.
Thelin Trail is the first project to receive funding through the new Truckee Dirt Trail Grant Program. The town is currently reviewing two additional proposals from TTF: the Trout Creek Trail and the Legacy Dirt Trail Feasibility Study, with potential awards to be announced later this year. A second grant cycle is also under consideration for 2026.
To learn more about the Truckee Dirt Trail Grant Program and upcoming trail developments, visit the Trails and Bikeways webpage.
~ Town of Truckee news release
Granite View Condominium Revised Environmental Report Available for Public Review
TAHOE CITY
A revised notice of preparation for an environmental impact report (EIR) for the proposed Granite View Condominium project is now available for public review and comment through May 22. A public EIR scoping meeting is scheduled May 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Placer County Administrative Offices conference room to receive public input.
In response to public feedback, the applicant reworked the project to substantially reduce its size, including the number of units and building height. The project remains a condo-hotel design but has been reduced by approximately 63% from 52 units to 19 units.
The current project now proposes three groups of attached units, with gaps between each building, on-site parking, and associated nearby infrastructure improvements. The maximum building height has been reduced from 96 feet to 35 feet and each unit was reduced to three stories over a partially subsurface private garage, for a total of four stories. The project still includes construction of a meditation hut on the parcel for the owner’s personal use only.
The proposed project also includes a new off-site road through the Alterra Lot 16 parcel, which is contiguous to the site’s southern boundary. Alterra Mountain Company has provided an access easement to the owner of the Granite View property for the proposed project.
The revised notice of preparation is available for review at the Auburn Library, Rocklin Library, Roseville Library, Tahoe City Library, Truckee Library, and online.
~ Placer County press release
North Lake Tahoe and Donner Summit Invited to Shape Green Waste Solutions
PLACER COUNTY
Placer County has launched a community-driven initiative to reimagine green waste recycling services in Franchise Area 3, which spans from Donner Summit to North Lake Tahoe.
Responding to resident requests for more accessible recycling options, the county seeks public input to evaluate potential enhancements, including curbside pickup, to complement existing drop-off programs.
While Franchise Area 3 offers green waste recycling through self-haul drop-off locations and seasonal chipping programs, residents have consistently expressed interest in curbside pickup options.
Proposed service changes could impact waste management fees, with cost variations depending on the scope of the program. The county emphasizes transparency, urging residents to explore detailed comparisons of existing and potential services online before sharing their preferences.
Residents are encouraged to review program details at engage.placer.ca.gov/tahoe-green-waste-disposal and complete the community survey.
~ Placer County press release
Live Music Returns to Commons Beach: June 15 to Sept. 7
TAHOE CITY
The Tahoe City Downtown Association announces the 2025 lineup for the 20th Anniversary of the beloved free summer music series Concerts at Commons Beach. Every Sunday evening from June 15 to Sept. 7, locals and visitors alike are invited to bring blankets, beach chairs, and dancing shoes for a season of unforgettable live music, lakeside sunsets, and community vibes.
This year’s lineup spans bluegrass, funk, soul, jam, rock, jazz, and Americana — curated to make every Sunday a celebration of sound and summer.
The series is hosted by Tahoe City Downtown Association, Tahoe City Public Utility District and North Tahoe Community Alliance’s TOT-TBID Dollars at Work program.
Each concert is free and family-friendly, with food and beverage vendors on-site. Music kicks off at 4:30 p.m. All shows take place at Commons Beach on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City.
For more information on the Concerts at Commons Beach lineup, visit concertsatcommonsbeach.com/.
~ Tahoe City Downtown Association
Tahoe City Golf Course Irrigation Replacement Project Begins in May
TAHOE CITY
Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) will begin construction this May on a $2.1-million project to replace the aging irrigation system at the Tahoe City Golf Course. The current system has been in place since 1976, well beyond the typical 30-year lifespan for mountain environments. Thanks to ongoing maintenance, it has lasted longer than expected, but a full replacement is now necessary.
The new irrigation system will significantly improve water efficiency, provide better turf coverage, and enhance playing conditions throughout the course.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early May and is expected to conclude by mid-September 2025. TCPUD is committed to minimizing disruptions during the 2025 golf season; however, temporary hole closures will occur during construction. The golf course will also introduce dynamic pricing to discount daily green fees based on the number of holes open.
The project is funded entirely by TCPUD property tax revenue and golf course revenue.
For updates and more information on the project, visit tcpud.org/golfcourseproject.
~ Tahoe City Public Utilities District press release
Philanthropic Educational Organization-Chapter XE Truckee
TRUCKEE
Little is known about the organization P.E.O., Chapter XE in Truckee, yet the chapter has been here since 1997 under the leadership of many local women.
Philanthropic Educational Organization, otherwise known as P.E.O., is a nonprofit organization founded in 1869 by seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. For over 150 years, women in the United States and Canada have been raising money to help women’s education all over the world through loans, scholarships and a sisterhood of support.
What started as a bond of friendship among seven women is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America. Members are passionate about P.E.O.’s mission: to celebrate the advancement of women and help educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, and loans.
P.E.O. started and stewards its own Cottey Women’s College in Missouri. P.E.O. has helped more than 150,000 women pursue their educational goals by providing over $321 million in educational assistance.
Chapter XE in Truckee currently supports five local scholarships for Tahoe/Truckee graduates annually, who meet the criteria for these scholarships. It supports an Educational Loan Fund, the International Peace Scholarship, and a program for continuing education grants for women returning to school to continue their education. It also helps support Cottey College, a nationally ranked, fully accredited, independent college for women with a variety of studies so that it may continue to provide an affordable education for women.
~ Philanthropic Educational Organization, Chapter XE press release
Grading and Digging Season Opened May 1
LAKE TAHOE
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is reminding residents, property owners, and project managers that the grading and digging season for permitted projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin began May 1.
Grading and digging work are confined to drier months to protect Lake Tahoe’s famed water clarity from sources of erosion and sediment, according to TRPA. Working in dry conditions prevents soil compaction and stops loose soil and mud from washing away from project sites or into roadways, storm drains, waterways, and the lake.
During the grading season, May 1 through Oct. 15, soil work can proceed in dry conditions, but is prohibited when a project area is covered with snow, when ground is saturated, muddy, or unstable, and during periods of precipitation.
Although all grading is prohibited in wet conditions, not all digging requires a permit. More information is available at trpa.gov/applications-forms under Grading.
~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release
Slow Food Lake Tahoe’s Free Edible Gardening Festival May 16, 30
TRUCKEE
Slow Food Lake Tahoe’s Sow and Grow Festival is approaching. The festival is a free, family-friendly event celebrating high-altitude edible gardening and community connection.
The festival will be held on May 16 and May 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. at SFLT’s food bank and community gardens located in the Truckee River Regional Park, 8000 Estates Dr. Highlights include:
- Gardening classes tailored to high-altitude growing
- A plant and seed sale
- A kids’ scavenger hunt
- Live music
- And more!
Visit slowfoodlaketahoe.org/events for more information.
~ SFLT press release
